As a reward for their success, the triumphant LOASS squad were presented with their trophies by England Ladies manager Mark Sampson, who congratulated the girls on their superb performances throughout the day.

The East London club travelled down to the West Country to participate in the yearly event – run in conjunction with Bristol’s WSL fixture against champions Liverpool Ladies FC.

LOASS kicked off the first of nine scheduled games at Bristol’s impressive Stoke Gifford facility with a victory against local side Longwell Green.

That was followed by another win against Ross Junior Reds and a hard-fought 1-1 stalemate against Cadbury Heath Blues.

Three wins on the trot against Cadbury Heath Reds, Ross Junior Blues and Welsh adversaries Port Talbot FC saw LOASS enter the final three league fixtures in a commanding position.

A cagey match against Wotton Rovers finished 1-1 thanks to a last-gasp equaliser, before LOASS capped off the day impressively with victories against Somerset opponents Mendip Girls and Hutton FC Girls – taking their day’s goal tally to more than 30.

After a nervy 15-minute wait, news broke that LOASS had won the tournament with 23 points, ahead of second-placed Wotton, who had amassed 21 points.

Head coach Joe Sheehan said: “The tour was a fitting finale to a very successful debut season.

“The girls have applied themselves incredibly well in their first year and this reflects their continued success on the pitch.”

The team’s display earned the girls the Fair Play Award and the honour of walking out as mascots for reigning WSL champions Liverpool for their Bristol fixture.

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